Floor-cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

A floor-cleaning machine is provided, comprising a chassis, a suction bar apparatus arranged on the chassis, a dirt-holding container, a retaining apparatus, which retains the dirt-holding container movably in relation to the chassis in either a dirt-holding position or a dirt-discharging position, wherein the retaining apparatus comprises a parallelogram guide having a first link and a second link, which are each respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected thereto, wherein the first and second links are oriented parallel and the retaining apparatus is configured such that a pivoting orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis is maintained during transition from the dirt-holding to the dirt-discharging positions, and a tipping drive is associated with the dirt-holding container, by means of which the dirt-holding container in the dirt-discharging position is configured to be brought into an emptying position for dirt by tipping.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2016/057517, filed Apr. 6, 2016, which claims priority to German application number 10 2015 105 587.2, filed Apr. 13, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a floor-cleaning machine, comprising a chassis, a suction bar apparatus, which is arranged on the chassis, a dirt-holding container, and a retaining apparatus, which retains the dirt-holding container movably in relation to the chassis, wherein the dirt-holding container has a dirt-holding position and a dirt-discharging position by means of the retaining apparatus, and, in the dirt-discharging position, the dirt-holding container is positioned at a height spacing transverse to a chassis longitudinal axis and at a spacing parallel to the chassis longitudinal axis in relation to the dirt-holding position.

Document WO 2006/121783 A1 discloses a floor-cleaning machine which has a dirt container, which is positioned on a rear side of a cleaning head. A container lift is provided, by means of which the dirt container can be brought from an operating position into an emptying position. The floor-cleaning machine also has a suction bar apparatus.

A lift dump suction apparatus is known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,653.

Document DE 25 39 496 A1 discloses a sweeper with a sweeper roller which throws dirt forward in the direction of travel into a dirt-collecting container which is connected by means of a filter to a suction fan. The dirt container is mounted in a fork of a lifting arm, wherein the lifting arm is mounted at the upper end of a fixed support frame of the sweeper in such a way that the arm is pivotable upwards while the dirt container is maintained in a position parallel to the ground. The dirt container can be tipped to empty it when the lifting arm is in any pivoted position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a floor-cleaning machine is provided which has an advantageous emptying process alongside a compact design.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the retaining apparatus comprises a parallelogram guide having a first link, which is respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis, and having a second link, which is respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis, wherein the first link and the second link are oriented parallel to each other and the retaining apparatus is configured in such a way that, in a transition from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, a pivoting orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis is maintained, and wherein a tipping drive is associated with the dirt-holding container, by means of which tipping drive the dirt-holding container, while in the dirt-discharging position, is configured to be brought into an emptying position for dirt collected in the dirt-holding container by means of tipping.

By means of the arrangement of the suction bar apparatus on the chassis, the suction bar apparatus does not have to be moved with the dirt-holding container. The suction bar apparatus can thus be rigidly attached to the chassis.

Furthermore, the mass to be lifted can be held lower, since the suction bar apparatus now does not also have to be lifted. Corresponding drives for the lifting can thus be made smaller, or with the same dimensioning a greater mass can be lifted.

When transitioning from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, the orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis (and therefore in relation to the direction of the force of gravity) is maintained. Dirt is thus prevented from escaping from the dirt-holding container. In principle, a relatively large amount of dirt material can thus also be held in the dirt-holding container.

By maintaining the orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis or the direction of gravity when transferring from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, an opening or a plurality of openings on the container can be used both for the introduction of dirt and for the discharge of dirt in the emptying position. The opening or openings can be arranged here in particular on the dirt-holding container on a side which is an upper side in relation to the direction of gravity. A high filling level of the dirt-holding container can be achieved as a result.

Flange faces can be better sealed by a corresponding defined orientation which is maintained when transferring from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, in particular so as to reduce the aspiration of false air during a floor-cleaning operation.

The retaining apparatus comprises a parallelogram guide having a first link, which is respectively articulated to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis, and having a second link, which is respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis, wherein the first link and the second link are oriented parallel to each other. By means of a parallelogram guide, the orientation of the dirt-holding container relative to the chassis or the direction of gravity can be easily maintained in the event that the links are pivoted (with the parallelism being maintained). The movement of a parallelogram guide can be driven in a simple manner.

It is favorable if, in the dirt-holding position, the dirt-holding container is positioned transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis above the suction bar apparatus in relation to a height direction. A space is thus provided on the floor-cleaning machine, which space can be used and in particular can be used as installation space. For example, a rear drive can be arranged in this space at least in part, or a brake unit can be arranged in said space, etc. In principle, the suction bar apparatus can also be moved closer to a brush apparatus.

It is very particularly advantageous if a free space is provided in which the dirt-holding container is positioned in the dirt-holding position, wherein the free space has a side which is open or is openable towards a rear side of the chassis, and wherein the dirt-holding container is movable from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position by being moved out from the free space and towards the open side. The dirt-holding container, in the dirt-holding position, is positioned in the free space in the manner of a drawer. In order to be transferred into the dirt-discharging position, the dirt-holding container is passed through the open side. A tail-end high dumping is thus possible in a simple way. Since the orientation of an upper side and in particular of one or more openings of the dirt-holding container is maintained as the dirt-holding container is transferred from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, the dirt-holding container can be easily guided out from the free space by a pivoting motion or by a combination of a pivoting motion and a linear motion of the dirt-holding container and can be returned to the free space following an emptying operation.

In particular, the first link and the second link are articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis, or an element connected to the chassis, at different height positions transverse to the vehicle longitudinal axis. A tail-end high dumping with the orientation of the dirt-holding container being maintained as said container is transferred from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position can thus be achieved in a simple way.

It is favorable if a drive apparatus for moving the dirt-holding container between the dirt-holding position and the dirt-discharging position is associated with the retaining apparatus. The drive apparatus serves in particular to perform a tail-end high dumping. By means of a corresponding drive of the retaining apparatus, the dirt-holding container can be guided from the dirt-holding position, which is a position during the cleaning operation, into the dirt-discharging position, wherein the emptying position can then be reached in turn from the dirt-discharging position by a tipping movement.

It is favorable if the drive apparatus comprises an electric motor. The corresponding mechanism for moving the dirt-holding container can thus be formed in a hydraulic-free manner by means of the retaining apparatus.

In particular, the drive apparatus drives a pivoting movement of a link of the retaining apparatus. The dirt-discharging position can thus be reached in a simple manner starting from the dirt-holding position of the dirt-holding container.

In one exemplary embodiment, the drive apparatus comprises a chain, which transfers a torque of the drive motor (in particular by means of a gearing apparatus) to the link. A simple structural design is thus provided. Other elements, such as a hydraulic cylinder, can also be provided.

The tipping drive serves to change the orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis or the direction of gravity, if the dirt-discharging position is reached, in order to reach the emptying position.

It is favorable if the tipping drive comprises an electric motor. The tipping drive can thus be formed in a hydraulic-free manner.

A tipping axis of the dirt-holding container is favorably parallel to a pivot axis of the dirt-holding container for the movement by the retaining apparatus. An orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the direction of the force of gravity can thus be achieved in a simple way. In particular, an opening by means of which the dirt is couplable into the dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position can then also be used for emptying in the emptying position.

In one exemplary embodiment, the tipping drive acts effectively with torque on a tipping element of the dirt-holding container, which tipping element is connected to the tipping drive for conjoint rotation, wherein in particular a gearing apparatus is provided. A tipping movement for reaching the emptying position and for resetting from the emptying position can thus be performed in a simple way. By providing a gearing apparatus and in particular a reduction gearing apparatus, a suitably proportioned tipping movement can be achieved.

In one exemplary embodiment, the suction bar apparatus is covered at least in part by the dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position in relation to a height direction transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis and is positioned in particular beneath the dirt-holding container. A compact design is thus provided, wherein the suction bar apparatus is also configured to be protected accordingly.

It is very particularly advantageous if a space is formed between a floor, on which the floor-cleaning machine is stood, the suction bar apparatus, and the dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position. This space can be used as installation space for components of the floor-cleaning machine, such as a rear drive, a brake unit, or the like. In principle, by providing this space, the suction bar apparatus can also be positioned closer to a brush apparatus. A compact design can thus be achieved. It is thus also possible, for example, to position the suction bar apparatus completely beneath the dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position thereof.

A brush apparatus having at least one brush and in particular a scrubbing brush and/or sweeping brush is arranged advantageously on the chassis, by means of which brush apparatus dirt is suppliable directly and/or indirectly to the dirt-holding container. With a direct feed, dirt held by the brush apparatus is “thrown” towards the dirt-holding container to a certain extent. This can be supported by a suction flow. In an advantageous embodiment the brush apparatus is designed so that both a wet cleaning and a dry cleaning of a floor to be cleaned can be performed by said brush apparatus. In particular, the wet cleaning and the dry cleaning are alternative operating modes of the floor-cleaning machine. In the case of dry cleaning, dirt is transported into the dirt-holding container. In the case of wet cleaning, liquid is applied to the floor to be cleaned in order to loosen dirt. Excess liquid on the floor (which liquid is laden with dirt) is aspirated by means of the suction bar apparatus and is held in a wastewater tank.

In one exemplary embodiment, the brush apparatus is configured so that it can be used to perform both a scrubbing operation and a sweeping operation. In the case of scrubbing, a floor is cleaned with the aid of the application of a cleaning liquid. Larger particles can be conveyed directly into the dirt-holding container during the scrubbing operation, that is to say they can be flung into said container. The applied and excess cleaning liquid is taken up in a suction bar apparatus and is sucked into a wastewater tank. In the case of a sweeping operation, dirt is whirled up by the brush apparatus and is thrown into the dirt-holding container. In order to prevent dust from forming, an airflow is generated by means of a sweeper fan, which airflow draws the air through a filter and “binds” dust. In the case of a scrubbing operation, the sweeper fan is not operated. No cleaning liquid is applied to the floor in the case of a sweeping operation.

In one exemplary embodiment, at least one further brush is arranged on the chassis. The at least one further brush is formed for example as a side broom. For example, cleaning close to a wall can thus be performed at the floor to be cleaned.

A suction assembly is favorably arranged on the chassis (directly or indirectly) and is in effective fluid connection with the suction bar apparatus. The suction assembly ensures a corresponding suction flow, in particular so as to aspirate excess liquid in a rear region of the floor-cleaning machine. Corresponding dirt-laden liquid is then fed directly or indirectly to the dirt-holding container.

It is favorable if a liquid-applying apparatus for a floor to be cleaned is arranged on the chassis. Liquid is applied directly to the floor and/or to a brush apparatus. Dirt can thus be loosened. Excess liquid can be sucked away from the floor to be cleaned by the suction bar apparatus.

It is very particularly advantageous if the dirt-holding container has at least one opening, which, in the dirt-holding position of the dirt-holding container, is arranged in an upper region of the dirt-holding container in relation to a height direction transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis, and in particular is arranged on a top side of the dirt-holding container. By means of the corresponding configuration of the retaining apparatus, the orientation of this at least one opening is maintained as the dirt-holding container is transferred from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position. This opening can thus be positioned on the top side. It can be used accordingly as a receiving opening for dirt and as a discharge position in the emptying position. A high filling level for the dirt-holding container can then be achieved. It can be ensured that no dirt escapes from the dirt-holding container as said container is transferred from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position. The dirt-holding container can be formed in a barrel-like manner with the at least one opening on the top side.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves, in conjunction with the drawings, to explain the invention in greater detail. In the drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a floor-cleaning machine according to the invention in a side view, wherein a dirt-holding container is disposed in a dirt-holding position (basic position);

FIG. 2 shows the floor-cleaning machine according to FIG. 1 in a partial section;

FIG. 3 shows the floor-cleaning machine according to FIG. 1 in a schematic illustration for explaining the types of movement of a dirt-holding container;

FIG. 4 shows the same view as FIG. 3, wherein the dirt-holding container has been moved out from the dirt-holding position;

FIG. 5 shows the same view as FIG. 3, wherein the dirt-holding container is disposed in a tail-end dirt-discharging position (prior to tipping);

FIG. 6 shows a partial illustration of the floor-cleaning machine according to FIG. 1 with a retaining apparatus and a dirt-holding container, which is retained by the retaining apparatus, wherein the dirt-holding container is in its basic position (dirt-holding position) as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged partial illustration of the dirt-holding container according to FIG. 6 with a tipping drive;

FIG. 8 shows the same view as in FIG. 6, wherein the dirt-holding container is now in its dirt-discharging position (prior to tipping);

FIG. 9 shows a view in the direction A according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a view in the direction B according to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 shows a view similar to FIG. 8, wherein the dirt-holding container has now been brought into a tipping position for emptying (emptying position).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of a floor-cleaning machine which is shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 11 and which is denoted as a whole by 10 serves to clean a floor 12 and in particular a floor surface. The floor-cleaning machine 10 comprises a chassis 14. A wheel apparatus 16 is arranged on the chassis 14. The floor-cleaning machine 10 is supported movably by means of the wheel apparatus 16 on the floor 12 to be cleaned.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wheel apparatus 16 comprises a front wheel apparatus 18 and a rear wheel apparatus 20.

The chassis 14 extends in a chassis longitudinal axis 22 between a front end 24 and a rear end 26. The front wheel apparatus 18 is arranged in the vicinity of the front end 24, and the rear wheel apparatus 20 is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end 26.

A suction assembly 28 is arranged on the chassis 14, connected directly or indirectly to the chassis (FIG. 2). The suction assembly 28 comprises a fan with a corresponding drive, for example an electric motor.

A suction bar apparatus 30 is arranged on the chassis 14 in the region of the rear end 26. The suction bar apparatus 30 comprises one or more suction bars 32. The suction bar apparatus 30 is in effective fluid connection with the suction assembly 28, for example by one or more tubes 34.

The suction bar apparatus 30 is lockably adjustable in particular in a height direction above the floor 12. For a cleaning operation, the suction bar 32 sits on the floor 12 in such a way that dirt (and in particular dirt fluid) is configured to be aspirated. A lowered position of this type is shown in FIG. 3.

In a non-cleaning operation, the suction bar 34 is raised from the floor 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

A wastewater tank 35 is arranged on the chassis 14, into which tank the one or more tubes 34 leads/lead, and which tank holds liquid aspirated at the suction bar apparatus 30.

A brush apparatus having one or more brushes 36 a, 36 b is arranged on the chassis 14.

In the shown exemplary embodiment, a first brush 36 a and a second brush 36 b are provided.

The brushes 36 a, 36 b are driven in rotation and each have an axis of rotation 38, which lies transverse and in particular perpendicular to the chassis longitudinal axis 22 and in particular lies parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel apparatus 16.

In one exemplary embodiment, the brushes 36 a, 36 b are arranged between the front wheel apparatus 18 and the rear wheel apparatus 20.

The rear wheel apparatus 20 is positioned between the brush 36 b and the suction bar apparatus 30.

The brushes 36 a, 36 b are in particular formed as scrubbing brushes or sweeping brushes.

A liquid-applying apparatus 40 is associated with the brushes 36 a, 36 b. By means of this liquid-applying apparatus 40, which is arranged on the chassis 14, cleaning liquid (in particular water, possibly with a cleaning additive) can be applied to the floor 12 in the region of the brushes 36 a, 36 b and/or cleaning liquid can be applied directly to the brush or brushes 36 a, 36 b.

The brush apparatus with the brushes 36 a, 36 b is configured, in one exemplary embodiment, so that cleaning by scrubbing and alternatively cleaning by sweeping of a floor 12 to be cleaned can be performed by means of said brush apparatus.

A freshwater tank 37 is arranged on the chassis 14 and provides fresh water to the liquid-applying apparatus 40.

In one exemplary embodiment, the floor-cleaning machine 10 has one or more brushes 42 (FIG. 3). A brush 42 of this kind is arranged for example on the chassis 14 in the region of the front end 24. A corresponding brush 42 in particular forms a side broom.

A brush 42 is driven in rotation and in particular has an axis of rotation 44 which is oriented transverse, and in particular at an acute angle of for example 45°, to the floor 12, on which the floor-cleaning machine 10 stands by means of the wheel apparatus 16.

The floor-cleaning machine 10 has a dirt-holding container 46. This dirt-holding container 46 can be emptied by means of a high-dumping operation, as will be described in greater detail further below.

The floor-cleaning machine 10 has a free space 48, which lies above the suction bar apparatus 30 in a height direction 50, which is oriented perpendicular to the chassis longitudinal axis 22. (If the floor-cleaning machine 10 is stood on a floor 12 that is horizontal in relation to the direction of the force of gravity g, the height direction 50 is parallel to the direction of the force of gravity g).

In a dirt-holding position 52 of the dirt-holding container 46 (FIGS. 1 to 3), the dirt-holding container 46 is positioned in the free space 48.

In particular, the dirt-holding container 46 is positioned above the suction bar apparatus 30 in the dirt-holding position 52. The dirt-holding container preferably does not protrude beyond a rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10.

The suction bar apparatus 30 is covered at least in part by the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-holding position 52 in relation to the height direction 50.

In one exemplary embodiment, the dirt-holding container 46 completely covers the suction bar apparatus 30 in the dirt-holding position 52, that is to say an outer end of the suction bar apparatus 30 lies within a corresponding rear end of the dirt-holding container 46 in the height direction 50.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, an exemplary embodiment is shown in which the dirt-holding container 46 only partially covers the suction bar apparatus 30 in the dirt-holding position 52, that is to say the suction bar apparatus 30 has a region which protrudes beyond the rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10 in the chassis longitudinal axis 22.

In the dirt-holding position 52, the dirt-holding container 46 serves to receive dirt. The dirt-holding position 52 of the dirt-holding container 46 is the position in which the dirt-holding container 46 is disposed when a cleaning operation is performed on the floor 12.

In the dirt-holding position 52, the dirt-holding container 46 is positioned so that dirt entrained by the brushes 36 a, 36 b passes directly into the dirt-holding container 46 through a corresponding opening 56 (see also FIG. 9). In the dirt-holding position 52, the dirt-holding container 46 is positioned so that dirt is “thrown” into the opening 56 by the brushes 36 a, 36 b, wherein the dirt has been entrained from the floor 12 by the brushes 36 a, 36 b. Accordingly, the free space 48 is configured so that the direction in which dirt entrained by the brushes 36 a, 36 b is thrown leads to the opening 56.

In one exemplary embodiment, the floor-cleaning machine 10 has a further suction assembly 57, which is associated with the brushes 36 a, 36 b and the dirt-holding container 46 (FIG. 2). This further suction assembly 57 is arranged above the dirt-holding container 46 and acts thereon and also on the brushes 36 a, 36 b by means of the dirt-holding container 46 with a suction flow. It forms a sweeper fan for “dry dirt”.

A dust filter apparatus 59 is arranged between the further suction assembly 57 and the dirt-holding container 46.

In one exemplary embodiment, a further freshwater tank 61 is arranged above the dirt-holding container 46 in relation to the dirt-holding position 52 and is in effective fluid connection with the liquid-applying apparatus 46.

In one exemplary embodiment, the free space 48 is delimited upwardly (in the height direction 50) by a wall 58, which for example is curved. The wall 58 is shaped such that dirt particles which contact the wall 58 are reflected with sufficient likelihood so that they can pass into the dirt-holding container 46.

In a liquid-applying operation of the floor-cleaning machine 10, liquid, which in particular serves to loosen dirt on the floor 12, is dispensed by the liquid-applying apparatus 40. During operation of the floor-cleaning machine 10, said machine is moved in a direction of forward travel 60. By means of the suction bar apparatus 30, excess liquid (which can be laden with dirt) can be received from the floor 12 in the region of the rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10. The excess liquid is aspirated by means of a suction flow, which is provided by the suction assembly 28, and is transported into the wastewater tank 35.

In a sweeping operation of the floor-cleaning machine 10, no liquid is dispensed. The floor-cleaning machine 10 is moved in the direction of forward travel 60. The brushes 36 a, 36 b “throw” particles of dirt into the dirt-holding container 46. The suction flow of the further suction assembly 57 supports this operation; particles of dirt are transported into the dirt-holding container 46 in a supported manner by means of the corresponding suction flow.

In one exemplary embodiment, a power supply apparatus 63, which in particular comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, is arranged on the chassis 14 between a region above the dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position of said container, in which region the further suction assembly 57 and the further freshwater tank 61 are arranged, and the wastewater tank 35.

The dirt-holding container 46 is retained movably on the floor-cleaning machine 10 by means of a retaining apparatus 64, so as to be able to perform a tail-end high dumping starting from the dirt-holding position 52.

In one exemplary embodiment, the floor-cleaning machine 10 comprises a frame 66 (see also FIGS. 6 and 8 to 11), which is fixed to the chassis 14. For example, the frame 66 has a first frame support 68 a and a spaced second frame support 68 b. The free space 48 is formed between the first frame support 68 a and the second frame support 68 b.

The retaining apparatus 64 is formed as a parallelogram guide 70. The retaining apparatus comprises a first guide with a first link 72 and a second link 74, wherein the first link 72 and the second link 74 are oriented parallel to one another. The first link 72 is articulated to the first frame support 68 a. The second link 74 is also likewise articulated to the first frame support 68 a, wherein the points of articulation are spaced from one another in the chassis longitudinal axis 22 and the height direction 50.

The first link 72 and the second link 74 are also each articulated to the dirt-holding container 46.

The first link 72 and the second link 74 each have the same length between their points of articulation to the frame 66 and the dirt-holding container 46. Accordingly, the points of articulation of the first link 72 and of the second link 74 to the dirt-holding container 46 (in relation to the dirt-holding position 52) are spaced from one another in the chassis longitudinal axis 22 and the height direction 50.

Likewise, a first link 72 and a second link 74 of a second guide are articulated to the second frame support 68 b, and are then likewise articulated to the dirt-holding container 46. The dirt-holding container 46 is positioned between the first frame support 68 a and the second frame support 68 b and are held on the frame 66 laterally on either side by means of first links 72 and second links 74 of the first guide and of the identically formed second guide.

A drive apparatus 76 is associated with the retaining apparatus 64 for a driven movement of the dirt-holding container 46 relative to the chassis 14 and in particular the chassis longitudinal axis 22. The drive apparatus 76 for example comprises a drive motor 78, such as an electric motor, or comprises a hydraulic lifting cylinder apparatus.

The drive motor 78 is arranged in one exemplary embodiment on the frame, and for example on the frame support 68 a, and is associated with the first guide.

A gearing apparatus 80 is associated with the drive motor 70 and serves to guide torque.

The gearing apparatus 80 is arranged on the frame 66.

The gearing apparatus 80 for example comprises a worm gear.

In one exemplary embodiment, a coupling element 82 is connected to the second link 74, for conjoint rotation, in the region of the point of articulation of the second link 74 to the frame 66. The coupling element 82 is formed for example as a gearwheel.

A chain 84 is provided for torque transfer from the gearing apparatus 80 to the coupling element 82. A torque then can be transferred to the coupling element 82 by means of the drive motor 78, and a pivoting movement of the second link 74 relative to the frame 66 is thus drivable.

In one exemplary embodiment, the drive apparatus 76 is arranged on the frame 66 on one side, in other words, in relation to a transverse direction relative to the chassis longitudinal axis 22, the drive for the dirt-holding container 46 acts directly only on one guide and is asymmetrical in relation to a movement out from the dirt-holding position 52. It is also possible in principle that the drive apparatus is formed symmetrically, wherein in particular two opposite drive motors are provided in particular, so as to directly drive the corresponding second links 74 of the two guides (which are articulated to the first frame support 68 a and the second frame support 68 b) in a pivoting movement.

By means of a corresponding pivoting movement, the dirt-holding container 46 can be moved out of its dirt-holding position 52 in the free space 48 in order to perform a high-dumping operation.

By forming the retaining apparatus 64 as a parallelogram guide 70, a tipping orientation of the dirt-holding container 46 assumed by said dirt-holding container in the dirt-holding position 52 in relation to the chassis 14 and the direction of the force of gravity g is maintained during the aforesaid pivoting movement.

The dirt-holding container 46 has a top side 86 (see FIG. 6 for example). The orientation of this top side 86 relative to the chassis 14 (and in particular relative to the chassis longitudinal axis 22) is maintained in the event of a pivoting movement of the retaining apparatus 64 relative to the frame 66.

The free space 48 is open towards the rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10. A corresponding open side 88 is provided. The dirt-holding container 46 can be passed through the open side 88 as it is being moved out from the dirt-holding position 52.

It is possible here that the open side 88 is constantly open or that an openable closure is arranged on the open side 88, which closure has to be automatically or manually opened prior to the dirt-holding container being moved out from the dirt-holding position.

By means of a drive by means of the drive apparatus 76, the dirt-holding container 46 is movable out from the dirt-holding position 52 and back into said position. An intermediate position is shown in FIG. 4. The dirt-holding container 46 is moved out from the free space 48 by a corresponding pivoting movement of the retaining apparatus 64 relative to the frame 66. In the case of the intermediate position shown in FIG. 2, the dirt-holding container is passed partially through the open side 88.

Here, the top side 86 of the dirt-holding container 46 has the same orientation in relation to the chassis longitudinal axis 22 as in the dirt-holding position 52.

The dirt-holding container 46 has a dirt-discharging position 90 (FIG. 5), into which the dirt-holding container 46 is brought prior to emptying. In the dirt-discharging position 90, the dirt-holding container 46 is spaced from the rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10. In relation to the dirt-holding position 52, the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-discharging position is spaced both in the chassis longitudinal axis 22 and in the height direction 50.

In particular, the dirt-discharging position 90 is such that an underside 92 of the dirt-holding container 46 is spaced from a top side 94 of a housing 96 of the floor-cleaning machine 10.

There is a sufficient spacing between the dirt-holding container 46 and the housing 96, in particular in the chassis longitudinal axis 22, to enable a high-dumping operation.

By means of the parallelogram guide 70 of the retaining apparatus 64, the relative orientation of the top side 86 of the dirt-holding container 46 is the same in the dirt-discharging position 90 as in the dirt-holding position 52.

A tipping drive 98 (see FIG. 6 for example) is associated with the dirt-holding container 46. The dirt-holding container 46 can be tipped by means of this tipping drive 98. A tipping movement can thus be performed in the dirt-discharging position 90, by means of which tipping movement the orientation of the top side 86 of the dirt-holding container 46 relative to the chassis 14 can be changed. In particular, tipping is possible such that the opening 56 is oriented with an opening surface normal at least approximately parallel to the direction of the force of gravity g, so that dirt contained in the dirt-holding container 46 can fall out through the opening 56 on account of the force of gravity.

In one exemplary embodiment, the tipping drive 98 comprises a tipping motor 100. This tipping motor 100 is in particular an electric motor.

A tipping element 102 is arranged on the dirt-holding container 46 for conjoint rotation. The tipping element 102 is for example a gearwheel. The dirt-holding container 46 can be tipped about a tipping axis 104 passing through the tipping element 102.

The tipping motor 100 acts on the tipping element 102 and thus on the dirt-holding container 46 by means of a gearing apparatus 106.

The gearing apparatus 106 comprises in particular a reduction gearing.

When the tipping drive 98 is actuated, the dirt-holding container 46 can be tipped relative to the retaining apparatus 64 in order to change the position of the top side 86 of the dirt-holding container 46 relative to the chassis 14, so as to in turn reach an emptying position, in which dirt can fall out from the dirt-holding container 46 through the opening 62 on account of the force of gravity.

In principle, a shaking movement can also be performed by the tipping drive in order to improve the emptying in the emptying position.

In FIG. 8 the dirt-holding container 46 is shown in the dirt-discharging position 90, in which the top side 86 of the dirt-holding container 46 still has the same orientation in relation to the chassis 14 as in the dirt-holding position 52.

The container 46 can then be tipped from this dirt-discharging position 90 into an emptying position 108, as shown in FIG. 11. In the emptying position 108, dirt can fall out through the opening 62 on account of the force of gravity. The orientation of the top side 86 has changed.

In the case of the emptying position 108 according to FIG. 11, the underside 92 of the dirt-holding container 46 is higher in the height direction 50 (in relation to the direction of gravity g) than the top side 86.

In the dirt-holding position 52 of the dirt-holding container 46, said container lies above the suction bar apparatus 30 in the height direction 50. A space 110 is formed between the brush 36 b, the suction bar apparatus 30, and the dirt-holding container 46 (see FIGS. 1 to 5). This space can be used in principle for components of the floor-cleaning machine 10. This space 110 can serve as installation space for components of the floor-cleaning machine 10, such as a rear drive or a brake.

A usable installation space of this kind is created by the arrangement of the suction bar apparatus 30 on the chassis 14 beneath the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-holding position 52, wherein the suction bar apparatus 30 is not moved with the dirt-holding container 46.

Furthermore, it is also possible to move the suction bar apparatus 30 closer to the brush 36 b and for example to completely cover the suction bar apparatus 30 upwardly by the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-holding position 52.

The floor-cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

The floor-cleaning machine 10 is in particular self-propelled, that is to say it has a drive for a movement over the floor 12 (not shown in FIG. 1).

The floor-cleaning machine 10 is formed for example as a ride-on machine, wherein an operator sits on the machine. A seating installation is arranged accordingly on the chassis 14.

It is also possible that the floor-cleaning machine 10 is formed for example as a walk-behind machine, wherein an operator follows on behind the machine (behind the rear end 54) and operates the machine from there.

In the case of a cleaning operation for the floor 12, the dirt-holding container 46 is disposed in the free space 48 in the dirt-holding position 52.

In the case of a sweeping cleaning operation, dirt is entrained by means of the brushes 36 a, 36 b and is thrown into the dirt-holding container 46 through the opening (or openings) 56; this is supported by the suction flow of the further suction assembly 57.

Dirt thus passes directly through the opening 56 as inlet opening into the dirt-holding container 46.

In the dirt-holding position 52, the dirt-holding container 46 is positioned so that the opening 56 on the top side 86 is higher in relation to the height direction 50 than the underside 92 of the dirt-holding container 46.

Following completion of a cleaning operation or if the dirt-holding container 46 is full, said container is transferred from the dirt-holding position 52 to the dirt-discharging position 90 for emptying. To this end, the drive apparatus 76 is actuated and performs a pivoting movement of the retaining apparatus 64 and accordingly then guides the dirt-holding container 46 out from the free space 48, and, compared to the dirt-holding position 52, increases the spacing in the chassis longitudinal axis 22 and in the height direction 50 until the tail-end dirt-discharging position 90 is reached.

By forming the retaining apparatus 64 as a parallelogram guide 70, the orientation of the opening 56 relative to the direction of gravity g (or relative to the chassis 14) is maintained during the above process, that is to say this orientation remains the same as it was in the dirt-holding position 52.

Once the dirt-discharging position 90 has been reached, the transfer into the emptying position 108 is performed by a tipping driven by the tipping drive 98. The opening 56 is then a discharge opening for dirt contained in the dirt-holding container 46.

By means of the tipping drive 98, the orientation of the opening 56 (or of the top side 86) of the dirt-holding container 46 relative to the direction of gravity g is changed in order to enable an emptying operation.

In the dirt-discharging position 90 of the dirt-holding container 46, a high-dumping of the dirt-holding container 46 is possible. This high-dumping is performed at the tail end in this case; in the dirt-discharging position 90, the dirt-holding container 46 protrudes beyond the rear end 54 of the floor-cleaning machine 10 (in relation to the dirt-holding position 52).

The dirt-holding container 46 can be formed as a dirt tank and for example can comprise a barrel-like container. Emptying, starting from the dirt-discharging position 90, is possible in a simple manner by means of a tipping movement (pivoting movement). Liquid is prevented from leaking from the dirt-holding container 46 as said container is transferred from the dirt-holding position 52 to the dirt-discharging position 90.

The space 110 can be used as installation space for components of the floor-cleaning machine 10, for example a rear drive or brakes, or the suction bar apparatus 30 can be positioned closer to the brushes 36 a, 36 b.

In principle, in order to transfer into the dirt-discharging position 90, only the dirt-holding container 46 must be raised. The suction bar apparatus 30 is fixedly mounted on the chassis 14 (with a possible lifting function for an out-of-operation state). A smaller mass therefore has to be moved than if the suction bar apparatus 30 is lifted with the dirt-holding container 46.

A rigid mechanical attachment of the suction bar apparatus to the chassis 14 can thus be achieved. In particular, a “disappearing” positioning of the suction bar apparatus 30 beneath the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-holding position 52 is also possible.

A good sealability of flange faces can be achieved, so as to prevent the aspiration of false air.

The dirt-holding container 46 can be easily formed with the opening 56 on the top side 86, which can remain continuously open. A closure does not have to be provided for this opening 56.

The positioning of the dirt-holding container 46 in the dirt-holding position 52 above the suction bar apparatus 30 results in a large floor clearance, wherein the above-mentioned additional components can be positioned in the space 110.

The floor-cleaning machine 10 also has a scrubbing function. In the case of a scrubbing cleaning operation, the further suction assembly 57 is not switched on. The suction assembly 28 is operated.

In the case of a scrubbing cleaning operation, water is applied to the floor 12 to be cleaned by means of the liquid-applying apparatus 40. Loosened dirt is removed by the brush apparatus.

Excess liquid on the floor 12 is sucked away by means of the suction bar apparatus 30 and is transported into the wastewater tank 35.

Here, it is possible that in the case of a scrubbing cleaning operation larger particles will be thrown into the dirt-holding container 46 by means of the brush apparatus. (Such particles would be pushed by the suction bar 32 ahead thereof.)

In the case of a sweeping cleaning operation, no cleaning liquid is applied to the floor 12 to be cleaned by means of the liquid-applying apparatus 40. “Dry operation” is provided. Dirt on the floor 12 is whirled up by the brushes 36 a, 36 b and in so doing is thrown into the dirt-holding container 46, which is then a dirt hopper. In order to minimize the formation of dust, an airflow is produced by means of the further suction assembly 57 and draws the corresponding air through the dust filter apparatus 59, with dust being bound during this process.

The floor-cleaning machine 10, with a brush apparatus 36 a, 36 b, thus has two alternative cleaning modes, specifically scrubbing and sweeping.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   10 floor-cleaning machine -   12 floor -   14 chassis -   16 wheel apparatus -   18 front wheel apparatus -   20 rear wheel apparatus -   22 chassis longitudinal axis -   24 front end -   26 rear end -   28 suction assembly -   30 suction bar apparatus -   32 suction bar -   34 tube -   35 wastewater tank -   36 a brush -   36 b brush -   37 freshwater tank -   38 axis of rotation -   40 liquid-applying apparatus -   42 brush -   44 axis of rotation -   46 dirt-holding container -   48 free space -   50 height direction -   52 dirt-holding position -   54 rear end -   56 opening -   57 further suction assembly -   58 wall -   59 dust filter apparatus -   60 direction of forward travel -   61 further freshwater tank -   62 opening -   63 power supply apparatus -   64 retaining apparatus -   66 frame -   68 a first frame support -   68 b second frame support -   70 parallelogram guide -   72 first link -   74 second link -   76 drive apparatus -   78 drive motor -   80 gearing apparatus -   82 coupling element -   84 chain -   86 top side -   88 open side -   90 dirt-discharging position -   92 underside -   94 top side -   96 housing -   98 tipping drive -   100 tipping motor -   102 tipping element -   104 tipping axis -   106 gearing apparatus -   108 emptying position -   110 space 

1. A floor-cleaning machine, comprising a chassis; a suction bar apparatus, which is arranged on the chassis, a dirt-holding container; a retaining apparatus, which retains the dirt-holding container movably in relation to the chassis; wherein the dirt-holding container has a dirt-holding position and a dirt-discharging position by means of the retaining apparatus, and, in the dirt-discharging position, the dirt-holding container is positioned at a height spacing transverse to a chassis longitudinal axis and at a spacing parallel to the chassis longitudinal axis in relation to the dirt-holding position; wherein the retaining apparatus comprises a parallelogram guide having a first link, which is respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis, and having a second link, which is respectively articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis or an element connected to the chassis; wherein the first link and the second link are oriented parallel to each other and the retaining apparatus is configured in such a way that, in a transition from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position, a pivoting orientation of the dirt-holding container in relation to the chassis is maintained; and a tipping drive being associated with the dirt-holding container, by means of which tipping drive the dirt-holding container, while in the dirt-discharging position, is configured to be brought into an emptying position for dirt collected in the dirt-holding container by means of tipping.
 2. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein in the dirt-holding position, the dirt-holding container is positioned transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis above the suction bar apparatus in relation to a height direction.
 3. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a free space is provided, in which the dirt-holding container is positioned in the dirt-holding position, wherein the free space has a side that is open, or has a side that is operable, towards a rear side of the chassis, and wherein the dirt-holding container is configured to be brought from the dirt-holding position to the dirt-discharging position by being moved out from the free space towards the open side.
 4. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the first link and the second link are articulated to the dirt-holding container and to the chassis, or one or more elements connected to the chassis, at different height positions transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis.
 5. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a drive apparatus for moving the dirt-holding container between the dirt-holding position and the dirt-discharging position is associated with the retaining apparatus.
 6. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive apparatus comprises an electric motor.
 7. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive apparatus drives a pivoting movement of a link of the retaining apparatus.
 8. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 7, wherein the drive apparatus comprises a chain, which transfers a torque of the drive apparatus to the link.
 9. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the tipping drive comprises an electric motor.
 10. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a tipping axis of the dirt-holding container is parallel to a pivot axis of the dirt-holding container for the movement by the retaining apparatus.
 11. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the tipping drive acts effectively with torque on a tipping element of the dirt-holding container, which tipping element is connected to the tipping drive for conjoint rotation.
 12. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein in the dirt-holding position, the suction bar apparatus is covered at least in part by the dirt-holding container in relation to a height direction transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis.
 13. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a space and a usable space is formed between a floor, on which the floor-cleaning machine is stood, the suction bar apparatus, and the dirt-holding container in its dirt-holding position.
 14. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a brush apparatus having at least one brush is arranged on the chassis, by means of which brush apparatus dirt is feedable at least one of directly and indirectly to the dirt-holding container.
 15. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 14, wherein at least one further brush is arranged on the chassis.
 16. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a suction assembly is arranged on the chassis and is in effective fluid connection with the suction bar apparatus.
 17. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a liquid-applying apparatus for a floor to be cleaned is arranged on the chassis.
 18. The floor-cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the dirt-holding container has at least one opening, which, in the dirt-holding position of the dirt-holding container, is arranged in the upper region of the dirt-holding container in relation to a height direction transverse to the chassis longitudinal axis. 